Federal immigration officials in South Carolina have taken a Mexican national into custody after a minor was discovered giving birth in a hospital parking lot.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has brought a lawsuit against Luis Armando Argueta Montejo, claiming he had sexual relations with a girl believed to be between 11 and 14 years old.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Montejo was arrested shortly after the incident at Oconee Memorial Hospital.
According to evidence from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Montejo engaged in sexual acts with the victim, as stated by DHS.
At 43 years old, he faces charges of incest and three counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a minor.
“This sick individual should never have come to our country to prey on children in the first place,” said Lauren Biss, acting assistant secretary of Homeland Security.
Montejo, who entered the United States in 2006, claimed to have no prior criminal record, officials reported.
On April 17, ICE requested to transfer him to federal custody once the local case concludes.
Biss emphasized the alarming nature of the accusations, noting Montejo had no criminal history in the U.S. before these alleged offenses.
She mentioned that a detainer arrest petition has been filed with authorities in South Carolina to prevent his release back into the community.
Biss also pointed out the importance of collaboration between federal and local law enforcement.
“Thankfully, South Carolina is cooperating with ICE,” she remarked, underscoring the necessity of working together to keep communities safe.
